2019 SEAG 3x3 gold medalist Jason Perkins on current squad's bronze finish: 'Everyone should be proud'

PBA player Jason Perkins was a member of the history-making Gilas 3x3 team that won the gold medal in the 2019 Southeast Asian Games in Manila.

And although the current iteration of the 3x3 national team, represented by the PBA 3x3 champion Limitless Appmasters, failed to replicate the success of Perkins' squad three years ago, the Phoenix Super LPG Fuel Masters power forward believes this year's bronze medal finish remains something to be proud of.

“They tried their best. I saw how they worked and they had a good team. A lot of those guys who are playing are already professionals. Some teams had their days, some of them don’t," said Perkins, who also had good things to say about Gilas 3x3 coach Willie Wilson.

"I watched them practice and they had a very great coach, Willie is very committed. Even before the game, he was calling me, asking about strategies in the game. They’re really good. Willie keeps working. Willie as a coach, he’s good guy to build the team around.”

Three years ago, Perkins was part of a stacked four-man unit that included CJ Perez, Chris Newsome, and Mo Tautuaa.

This year's team, composed of Brandon Ganuelas-Rosser, Marvin Hayes, Jorey Napoles, and Raymar Caduyac, wasn't quite as recognizable, but earned their stripes by being crowned the inaugural grand champion of the PBA 3x3 tournament. Ganuelas-Rosser was also selected as the top overall pick in the PBA Rookie Draft last Sunday.

“Regardless of whoever plays, I think everyone should be proud. Sometimes that’s how it is in the game of basketball. That’s the beauty of the game. They tried their best,” he added.

“I think all basketball programs should work on building on what they have.”

Topex Robinson, head coach of the Fuel Masters in the PBA, thinks his assistant coach, Wilson, did an admirable job in steering the team.   

“We’re proud. We never saw that they will go that far. When that team was built, we never knew it’s going to be that successful and eventually, representing the country. It brings so much honor and pride sa company, kasi nga they represented the Philippines. I’m looking forward,” added Robinson.  

“The team that was sent last time was a selection. This one is just a regular team that really competed. We could only be proud, we really did our best with the talent they had. They competed yun ang mahalaga.”

—JMB, GMA News